Dichlorvos induced alterations in glucose homeostasis: Possible implications on the state of neuronal function in rats

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of chronic dichlorvo s exposure on various aspects of glucose homeostasis in different regions o f rat brain. Dichlorvos administration caused a significant depletion in th e brain glycogen content accompanied with an increase in the activity of gl ycogen phosphorylase. The activities of key glycolytic enzymes, hexokinase, phosphofructokinase and lactate dehydrogenase were decreased significantly following dichlorvos exposure. The decreased glycolytic flux was further r eflected in terms of decreased regional glucose utilization, determined by measuring C-14-glucose influx. The altered neuronal glucose homeostasis had a significant impact on the neurobehavioural patterns of dichlorvos treate d animals which was reflected in terms of severe deterioration in their mem ory and learning functions.